Does the Name Matter in Deltarune? A Deep Dive into Naming Conventions
The short answer is: yes, the name you choose in Deltarune absolutely matters, although perhaps not in the conventional ways you might expect from a role-playing game. While it won’t drastically alter the core story or gameplay, the names you input for your vessel and creator elicit unique and fascinating responses, revealing subtle hints about the game’s lore and the mysterious figure of Gaster. These reactions suggest that the game is carefully observing your choices, going beyond a simple input-output system. This article will delve into the specifics of how naming impacts the game, exploring these interactions in detail.
The Vessel, the Creator, and Gaster’s Reactions
Naming the Vessel
By default, when you name your vessel, the game responds with “WE CALLED IT ‘[Name].'” Then, it follows with “[Name]. EXCELLENT. TRULY EXCELLENT.” This feels like a formal introduction of your creation into the game world. However, the game’s reaction changes when you try to use specific names.
Naming the Vessel Gaster
If you attempt to name your vessel “Gaster,” the game doesn’t accept it. Instead, it resets the game, sending you back to the beginning of the character creation process. This strongly suggests that Gaster doesn’t approve of his name being used for the vessel. This implies that the vessel name is significant, and cannot be so easily dismissed.
Naming the Creator Gaster
Trying to name the creator “Gaster” results in a far more severe reaction: the game crashes outright. This response is far more aggressive and seems to indicate a deeper level of offense. It’s clear that Gaster holds a significant position in the game’s universe, and appropriating his name is not to be taken lightly. This hard crash is unusual and makes his presence far more ominous and intriguing.
Naming the Vessel After Other Characters
If you name your vessel after an established character in Deltarune or Undertale, like “Sans, Papyrus, Asriel, Kris, Toriel, Susie, Noelle, Berdly, or Alphys, the game will respond with “‘[NAME].’ AN INTERESTING COINCIDENCE.” This suggests that these names, while acceptable, are being noted by the game’s unseen narrator, likely Gaster. The use of the word “coincidence” hints at a deeper connection between these characters and your creation, a connection that the game doesn’t fully explain.
Naming the Vessel and Creator the Same
Should you choose identical names for both your vessel and creator, the response is: “‘[NAME].’ OF COURSE OF COURSE.” This phrase suggests that Gaster acknowledges that your choices are purposeful and not random. It’s a confirmation of sorts, as if he expected this specific choice.
How Naming Compares to Undertale
The naming conventions in Deltarune are a stark contrast to Undertale, another game developed by Toby Fox. In Undertale, naming yourself after characters like Toriel, Asgore, Papyrus, Sans, Undyne, etc., will cause the game to refuse these names, giving the response: “That name is already taken”. There are also some names like “Gaster” and “Chara”, that will either restart the game or give an alternate response to it. In Undertale naming yourself “Frisk” activates the hard mode, though this mode is unfinished. While in Deltarune, naming the vessel or the creator after those characters is allowed. It seems like the name selection screen in Undertale is trying to protect you from yourself, while Deltarune allows you to fully make those naming choices while noting the outcomes that happen, and even reacting differently to it.
Does the Name Truly Impact the Story?
Despite these unique reactions, the core narrative of Deltarune remains the same, regardless of the name you choose for your vessel or creator. The responses function as meta commentary, breaking the fourth wall and acknowledging the player’s agency in a way that few games dare to do. These responses do not have any other in-game effect outside of the naming screen itself. They are designed to engage the player and spark curiosity about the deeper mysteries in the game.
Thematic Significance of Names
The naming conventions in Deltarune highlight the themes of choice, identity, and the player’s role within the game’s world. The subtle, yet powerful reactions of Gaster create a sense of being watched and evaluated, adding a layer of suspense to the player experience. The way Gaster’s dialogue is written makes it clear that he’s paying close attention to your actions. The naming screen isn’t simply a required element but a significant interactive experience that contributes to the game’s unique and enigmatic atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if you name your vessel “Gaster” in Deltarune?
The game will immediately reset itself and return you to the vessel creation screen.
2. What happens if you name your creator “Gaster” in Deltarune?
The game will crash completely.
3. What happens if you name your vessel after a Deltarune character like Kris or Susie?
The game will respond with “‘[NAME].’ AN INTERESTING COINCIDENCE.”
4. What happens if you name your vessel and creator the same name?
The game will respond with “‘[NAME].’ OF COURSE OF COURSE.”
5. Does naming your vessel or creator have any impact on gameplay?
No, the responses are primarily meta-commentary and don’t change the story or gameplay.
6. Can I name my vessel anything I want besides “Gaster”?
Yes, you can use most other names without triggering a reset or crash, but those names will be responded with a default response or the “interesting coincidence” response if named after a character.
7. What is Gaster’s role in Deltarune’s naming conventions?
He seems to be the unseen observer reacting to your naming choices, creating an atmosphere of mystery.
8. How do the naming conventions in Deltarune compare to Undertale?
Unlike Undertale, Deltarune allows the naming of your vessel or creator to be existing character names from both Undertale and Deltarune with special responses.
9. Is there any connection between Gaster’s reactions in Deltarune and his role in Undertale?
The game implies a deep connection, though it is still mostly speculative. He is an overarching figure in both games.
10. Does the name of the vessel influence the story or ending?
No, the core narrative remains consistent regardless of the chosen name.
11. Can you use special symbols or numbers in the naming screen?
Yes, you can.
12. Is there a way to see all the different naming responses in the game?
You need to test each possible name yourself as there is no catalog of naming reactions.
13. Are there any theories surrounding the unique responses of naming the vessel and creator?
Many theories propose that it is Gaster monitoring your choices. The vessel is theorized to be a type of Gaster experiment that he is monitoring.
14. Why does the game reset when the vessel is named “Gaster”?
This is an indication that Gaster does not want the vessel to be associated with his name. This suggests a deeper meaning behind the vessel creation.
15. Does the game ever explain the significance of the vessel and creator names?
Not directly. The game leaves these details open to player interpretation, adding to the overall mystique.